 Think about your Christmas gift list now. That list of people that you have always given gifts to; your children, your wider family, your close friends. Do you really need to buy gifts for all these people? Think about who you really want to buy for. This list sounds long. Maybe it's tradition and you have always sent vouchers to Aunty Karen or a voucher to your best friend's children. It's a habit and it's time to break the habit. Have a conversation and agree to not buy gifts this year. You will be surprised how many people are receptive to this and are relieved that you brought it up. There is no point in gifts given for the sake of giving and habit. After careful consideration, you now have a list of the people you really want to give gifts to. Start planning – now! Allocate a few ideas for pressies to the people on the list and a budget. Handmade gifts are a wonderful money-saving idea - and now is the perfect time to make these as the evenings draw in. Little bottles of foraged fruit gin, jars of chutney and jam are gorgeous. All of these are best made earlier as they need to mature a bit before Christmas. The frui){kind=link}
Mrs Mummypenny founder and personal finance expert Lynn Beattie explains how she cuts back over Christmas to help keep her spending intact – and here is how you can too
Christmas will be different this year.
The cost of living crisis means we all have less money in our pockets as our bills continue to rise.
But Christmas is really about spending time with our friends and family.
We don’t have to spend all the money and get into debt for one day, buying all the latest gadgets or plastic tat.